Exaltasamba

Origin

São Bernardo do Campo, SP

Also known as

Exalta Samba

Years Active

1982–2012

Genres

pagode, samba

Instruments

vocals, banjo, repique de mão, pandeiro, cavaquinho, percussion

Biography

Exaltasamba is one of the most emblematic groups in the history of Brazilian pagode, having been founded in 1982 in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, by Claudinei and his brother Clóvis. Throughout its decades-long trajectory, the band went through several line-up changes, consecrating fundamental names of the genre such as Péricles, Thiaguinho, Chrigor, and Pinha. The ensemble began to gain national projection in the 1990s, driven by romantic hits and expressive albums that won over audiences across the entire country.

Large-scale recognition came with the release of their self-titled album in 1996 and the hit "Luz do Desejo", consolidating the romantic style that marked the group's sound. In the following years, albums like Desliga e Vem reached impressive sales milestones, while partnerships with major icons of Brazilian music, such as Jorge Aragão and Alcione, enriched their discography. The commercial and critical peak culminated in winning the Latin Grammy for Best Samba/Pagode Album with the commemorative project 25 Anos.

After announcing a hiatus in 2012 that led vocalists Péricles and Thiaguinho to pursue enormously successful solo careers, the group faced developments regarding the use of its trademark, but maintained an indelible legacy in Brazilian popular culture. Exaltasamba's impact on the romantic strand of pagode echoes in the work of various contemporary artists and remains alive in the memory of fans of national samba.

Discography

• Eterno Amanhecer (1992)
• Encanto (1994)
• Luz Do Desejo (1996)
• Art Popular / Exaltasamba / Negritude Junior / Só Preto sem Preconceito – Samba de Natal (1996)
• Desliga e Vem (1997)
• Cartão Postal (1998)
• Mais uma Vez (2000)
• Bons Momentos (2001)
• Ao Vivo (2002)
• Alegrando A Massa (2003)
• Esquema Novo (2005)
• Todos os Sambas - Ao Vivo (2006)
• Pagode do Exalta Ao Vivo (2007)
• Ao Vivo na Ilha da Magia (2009)
• Exaltasamba 25 Anos Ao Vivo (2010)
• Exaltasamba no Estúdio Showlivre (Acústico) [Ao Vivo] (2016)
• 24 Horas de Amor (2018)